Art offers an engaging way for preschoolers to explore planets. A piece of black construction paper or card stock creates the outer space background for the art project. Let the kids splatter white paint onto the paper to create the stars. On a separate piece of white paper, let the kids finger-paint in different colors. Cut out a circle from the finger-painted paper to create the planet. Glue the planet in the middle of the black space background. Let the preschoolers name their own planets that they painted.
Incorporate math and science with a planet ordering game. Cut out a circle for each of the planets. Choose colors that match the planet, such as green and blue for Earth and red for Mars. Another option is to print off actual pictures of the planets and cut them out. Write the corresponding number on each planet so they are lined up in order. For example, Mercury would be No. 1, Venus is No. 2, Earth is No. 3 and continuing on through each planet. The preschoolers arrange the planets in order using the numbers as a guide. For more practice, make a copy of the planets for each student. Make a large model to hang on the wall. Have the kids write the corresponding numbers on the planets and practice ordering them individually.
Add the space theme to the dramatic play center during the planets unit. Create a spaceship out of a large appliance box. Place some child-sized chairs inside so the kids can pretend to be astronauts. Cut out a hole in the side of an empty gallon ice cream bucket for a space helmet. Tape together two soda bottles for oxygen tanks. Cut out large planet shapes from paper to hang on the wall. The students blast off into space and pretend to explore the planets.
A homemade book allows the kids to learn more about each planet and how it looks. Create a template for each page of the book. Give each planet its own page. Include a circle to represent the planet as well as its name on the page. Make large sample planets to hang up as a model. The preschoolers color in the circle on each page in the correct colors based on the models. The pages are stapled together inside a construction paper cover. To add a space theme to the cover, use black or dark blue paper. Let the kids place small star stickers all over it.